Dynamic stretching, strengthening and stabilization device for postural correction and retraining

Abstract

A dynamic stretching, strengthening and stabilization device is provided for postural correction and retraining. The device has a pair of closed loop resistance tubes and a central harness member which positions the closed loop resistance tubes roughly in the form of a FIG. 8 . Each loop of the resistance tube is sized to accommodate the arm and shoulder of the user. The device may be used in a stabilization mode or stretching/strengthening mode, and transitions easily between these modes to correct and retrain the user's posture.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A dynamic stretching, strengthening and stabilization device for postural correction and retraining in a user, comprising:
 a central harness member having a middle panel, a first side sleeve, and a second side sleeve; 
 a first closed loop resistance tube comprising a closed loop length, a portion of the closed loop length being located within the first side sleeve of the central harness member; 
 a second closed loop resistance tube comprising a second closed loop length, a portion of the second closed loop length being located within the second side sleeve of the central harness member; 
 a handle disposed along a length of each closed loop; 
 wherein the user:
 can grip the handles and pull in opposing directions to actively engage the resistance tubes in a stretching/strengthening mode; and 
 can position each closed loop over one of the user's arms so that the central harness member is positioned against the user's back while each of the first and second closed loops extends around the user's anterior pectoral and underarm region with the handles positioned to cushion where each closed loop engages the user's anterior pectoral or underarm region in a stabilization mode; each loop being sized to fit around the user's anterior pectoral or underarm region and provide passive resistance against forward shoulder curvature in the stabilization mode. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1  further comprising a rigid anti-torsion member disposed within the middle panel of the central harness member. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the central harness member is fabric. 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the central harness member has a slide-resistant surface. 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the central harness member is sized to sit between the user's shoulder blades and the central harness member avoids creeping upward. 
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the loops are disposed in the central harness member such that the loops do not touch or interfere with each other. 
     
     
       7. The device of  claim 1 , wherein each handle is between 3 inches to 12 inches in length. 
     
     
       8. The device of  claim 1 , wherein each closed loop resistance tube is between 12 to 36 inches in circumference. 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a length adjustment for the closed loop resistance tubes. 
     
     
       10. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a tension adjustment for the closed loop resistance tubes. 
     
     
       11. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device is packaged with instructions for carrying out stretching or exercising movements in the stretching/strengthening mode. 
     
     
       12. The device of  claim 1  wherein the handles are flexible and tubular. 
     
     
       13. The device of  claim 1  wherein each closed loop is slidable within its respective sleeve, and each handle is slidable along its respective loop. 
     
     
       14. The device of  claim 1  wherein, with the device positioned with each loop over one of the user's arms, a longitudinal axis of each handle is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of a side sleeve. 
     
     
       15. The device of  claim 1  wherein, with the device positioned with each loop over one of the user's arms, a longitudinal axis of each of the side sleeves is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the user. 
     
     
       16. The device of  claim 1  wherein the device includes loops consisting of the two loops, and the device includes a harness consisting of the one harness. 
     
     
       17. The device of  claim 1  wherein each handle extends along a length of each loop. 
     
     
       18. A method of using a dynamic stretching, strengthening and stabilization device for postural correction and retraining in a user, the device having:
 a central harness member having a middle panel, a first side sleeve, and a second side sleeve; 
 a first of closed loop resistance tube comprising a closed loop length, a portion of the closed loop length being located within the first side sleeve of the central harness member; 
 a second closed loop resistance tube comprising a second closed loop length, a portion of the second closed loop length being located within the second side sleeve of the central harness member; 
 a handle disposed along a length of each closed loop; 
 the method comprising the user:
 positioning each loop over one of the user's arms so that the central harness member is positioned against the user's back while each of the first and second closed loop extends around the user's anterior pectoral and underarm region with the handles positioned to cushion where each loop engages the user's anterior pectoral or underarm region in a stabilization mode; each loop being sized to fit around the user's anterior pectoral or underarm region and provide passive resistance against forward shoulder curvature in the stabilization mode. 
 
 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , further comprising removing the device from the stabilization mode to a stretching/strengthening mode by gripping the handles, extending the handles outward from the user's body to stretch and elastically enlarge the loops, and removing the loops from the user's arms while the loops are enlarged. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 19 , wherein the stretching/strengthening mode comprises extending the arms outward with the device disposed over the user's head in a lat stretch motion. 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 19 , further comprising leaning the head to alternate sides while the arms are extended outward. 
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 19 , wherein the stretching/strengthening mode comprises extending the arms outward with the device disposed behind the user's body in a shoulder stretch motion. 
     
     
       23. The method of  claim 19 , wherein the stretching/strengthening mode comprises extending the arms outward with the device disposed in front of the user's body in a first chest stretch motion. 
     
     
       24. The method of  claim 19 , wherein the stretching/strengthening mode comprises extending the arms outward with the device disposed behind the user's head in a second chest stretch motion. 
     
     
       25. The method of  claim 18 , further comprising smoothly transitioning from the stabilization mode to a stretching/strengthening mode by gripping the handles, extending the handles outward from the user's body to stretch and elastically enlarge the loops, and removing the loops from the user's arms while the loops are enlarged, thereby freeing the device to permit exercising or stretching with the device in front of or behind the user.